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Halal entrepreneurship from Maqasid-al-Sharia’h perspective: inseparable

concept for Halalpreneurs

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DOI: 10.26656/fr.2017.4(S1).S07

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MINI REVIEW
Halal entrepreneurship from Maqasid-al-Sharia’h perspective: inseparable
concept for Halalpreneurs
Abdullah, M.A. and Azam, M.S.E.
International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), International Islamic University
Malaysia (IIUM), 53000 Gombak, Malaysia
Article history: Abstract
Received: 8 August 2019
Received in revised form: 26
October 2019
Entrepreneurship has become one of the vital activities for economic development. It is
Accepted: 15 December synonymous with job creation, innovation, improvement in the societal well-being and
2019 economic growth in developed and developing countries alike. There is great interest in
Available Online: 10 entrepreneurship globally as well as in Malaysia. Over the past few years, many
February 2020
individuals, as well as families, are actively engaged with the small business. Also, in light
Keywords: of the 2013 GEM study, 12.7% of Americans are effectively occupied with beginning a
Halal, business or are the proprietor/director of a business that is under three years of age.
Entrepreneurship, Simultaneously, the Halal industry, that represents the global Islamic economy, is the
Maqasid-al-Shariah,
Halalpreneur, fastest-growing market in the world with $2.3 trillion market value. Halal entrepreneurs
Halalpreneurship (Halalpreneurs) are the major contributors to this achievement as they constitute a
significant portion of the total establishment in most of the Muslim countries. That is the
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.4(S1).S07
reason Entrepreneurship has turned into a conventional term that depicts a wide range of
practices that include being innovative, devilish and tricky. Entrepreneurship has been
defined by many scholars, researchers, industry players, and academicians globally which
have also been perceived in the same way by most of the economies around the world.
However, the Islamic economy looks at the concept of ‘entrepreneurship’ in a different
way and perceives it as ‘Halalpreneurship’. To define entrepreneurship in the halal
industry, although, the term ‘Halalpreneurship’ is being used, surprisingly the term has
not been defined properly yet. It is essential for the Muslim entrepreneurs to have a proper
understanding of Halalpreneurship from Maqasid-al-Shariah perspective. Such point of
view is crucial to justify the term in the Halal industry and differentiate from conventional
entrepreneurs. On this context, this paper provides concept and definition of
Halalpreneurship justifying from the perspective of Maqasid-al-Sharia’h. It also
identifies the differences between Halalpreneurs and entrepreneurs using secondary
resources available in the forms of literature, research papers, journal papers, articles,
conference papers, online publications, etc. The findings of the study will clarify the
concept of Halalpreneurship from Maqasid-al-Sharia’h perspective and recognize
Halalpreneurs distinguished from conventional entrepreneurs.

1. Introduction many scholars, researchers, and organizations because of

Islam bases its communities on principles that
distinguish it from other systems. Islam integrates
construction and laying the sound foundations:
contractual, economic, political and social. All of them are
a coherent and cohesive structure that helps the
community to achieve the best results. The Qur’an not
only permits but encourages business, trading, and
entrepreneurship. For Muslims, business and
entrepreneurship are considered to be the high esteem as it
was also the profession of the Prophet (PBUH) (Solaiman
and Yasmin, 2012). Entrepreneurship has been defined by
*Corresponding author.
Email: mosri@iium.edu.my
its significant contribution to the economy and society.
Simultaneously, it has been explained from a different
perspective by different researchers to integrate high
standards of ethics because of some big financial scandals,
recently (Oukil, 2013). Interestingly, Emami and Nazari
(2012) argued that entrepreneurs who have higher faith
and commitment to their religion are more ethical in their
business conduct. However, all these ethical guidelines
and business conduct behavior in entrepreneurship have
been revealed in Islam 1400 years back through the
Prophet (PBUH). All it requires is to do some critical
investigation and analysis of the different source of
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 35 Abdullah and Azam et al. / Food Research 4 (Suppl. 1) (2020) 34 - 42
Islamic law. Every business activity for any economy are
based on three concepts in Islam, namely livelihood (al-
MINI REVIEW
rizq), permissible (Halal), and prohibited (Haram) which
are also founded by the five objectives of Maqasid-al-
Shariah (Faizal et al., 2013). Global halal industry, which
also represents the global Islamic economy, has been
identified as the fastest-growing market in the global
economy as the consumers around the world are
becoming aware of the concept ‘halal’ which is not
anymore confined to food only (Thomson Reuters,
2018). The industry is growing at 20% per year
estimating a value of US$560 billion (Elasrag, 2016). As
of 2017, the total estimated value of the global halal
market was US$4.54 trillion and expected to reach
US$9.71 trillion by 2025 (Thomson Reuters, 2018). The
joining of moral qualities alongside religious qualities
opens up the limit of the halal industry from 2.8 billion
Muslim shoppers to non-Muslim customer also around
the globe.
Therefore, it is the essence of time for all
entrepreneurs, especially Muslim entrepreneurs, to know
the concept of Halalpreneurship and looking into it
through Maqasid-al-Shariah perspective. Such point of
view of Halalpreneurship explains how Halalpreneurs
differ from conventional entrepreneur, what, how and for
whom to produce in the economy, who are the
stakeholders, what are the motivations, and what is the
scope of knowledge in Halalpreneurship? On this
regard, the aim of this paper is to investigate the history
of entrepreneurship in Islam and clarifies the concept and
definition of Halalpreneurship. Another objective is to
justify Halalpreneurship through Maqasid-al-Shariah
perspective as an inseparable concept for Halalpreneurs.
Simultaneously, it tries to differentiate Halalpreneurs
from conventional entrepreneurs by examining the
different aspects of entrepreneurship from Maqasid-al-
Shariah view. This paper fulfills the urgent demand of
the global Halal industry, as stated in the report Thomson
Reuters (2018), clarifying the concept and definition of
Halalpreneurship which will help the business ventures
in the Halal industry differentiate themselves from
conventional entrepreneurs. This perspective will
motivate them to subscribe for more halal business and
contribute to the Islamic economy. It can also be useful
for policymakers providing effective and suitable
policies to develop training programs on
Halalpreneurship, halal marketing and other areas of
Halal industry.
2. Methodology
To achieve the objectives of this paper, content
analysis was adopted. The content analysis comprised of
an extensive literature review from previous studies that
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comprised of a research paper, thesis, journal articles,
books, explanation of Al-Quran and Hadith, online
articles, and secondary data from different statistical
website and research papers.
Adopting the methodology, as mentioned above, the
following sections of the paper start with reviewing the
literature on the definition of entrepreneurship and
Halalpreneurship followed by the review of
Halalpreneurship from Maqasid-al-Shariah perspective.
Additionally, before drawing the conclusion, the paper
discusses the differences between Halalpreneurs and
entrepreneurs by reviewing literature from different
aspects.
3. Review on definition
To achieve the objectives of the study this part of
this paper reviews the works of literature to provide a
comprehensive definition of Halalpreneurship or halal
entrepreneurship. It starts with reviewing the
conventional definition of entrepreneurship in brief
followed by reviewing the definition of
Halalpreneurship.
3.1 Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship stems from the originates from the
French word entreprendre signifying 'to embrace or to
take in one's very own hands. Business enterprise can be
depicted as a procedure of activity a business person
attempts to build up his venture. It is a creative activity
that is based on the ability to create and establish
something from nearly nothing. Entrepreneurs are risk-
takers who react to opportunities, bear uncertainty and
balance the supply and demand in the specific market
(Kuratko, 2016). As per Peter Drucker, Entrepreneurship
is characterized as 'a methodical advancement, which
comprises in the deliberate and sorted outlook for
changes, and it is the orderly examination of the open
doors such changes may offer for financial and social
development.' The field of entrepreneurship is likewise
characterized by Shane and Venkataraman (2000) as the
investigation of chances to make future item and
administrations including the methodology, the general
population in control and what is being delivered.
Rindova et al. (2009) have characterized business
entrepreneurship as the endeavors to achieve novel
cultural, social, monetary and institutional conditions
through the activities of an individual or gathering of
individuals. Low and MacMillan (1988), Gartner, (1988)
and Lumpkin and Dess, (1996) defined entrepreneurship
as the creation of new enterprises or organizations.
Entrepreneurship may also mean taking advantage of
opportunities by novel combinations of resources in
ways which affect the marketplace. This is regardless of
© 2019 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources
 Abdullah and Azam et al. / Food Research 4 (Suppl. 1) (2020) 34 - 42
the resources that the entrepreneurs are controlling.
The word ‘entrepreneur’ immediately conjures up
images of business icons like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates.
While these rich, famous and successful individuals can
be inspirational for some, most of us would find it
difficult to associate our own lives, personalities or
abilities with them. Business Dictionary characterizes
enterprise as the limit and eagerness to create, compose
and deal with a business adventure alongside any of its
dangers so as to make a benefit. In Investopedia, an
entrepreneur is a person who, as opposed to filling in as a
worker, establishes and maintains a private company,
expecting every one of the dangers and prizes of the
endeavor. The business entrepreneurship is normally
observed as a trend-setter, a wellspring of new thoughts,
products, administrations, and business/or methods.
Also, in financial matters, business enterprise joined with
the land, work, regular assets, and capital can deliver a
benefit (Schaper et al., 2011).
It has been realized from the above reviews of
entrepreneurship that the definition is more or less
similar. The conventional entrepreneurs are more
focused on market demand and supply while taking risk
and uncertainty (Kuratko, 2016). They intend to make
social development deliberately without considering the
specific need and specific target consumer i.e. focused
on making a profit (definition of Peter Drucker, and
Shane and Venkataraman). Additionally, entrepreneurs
are to take the advantages of available resources only
while affecting the market in case of scarcity of the
resources (Lumpkin and Gartner definition). Moreover,
scholars have tried to make ethical integration to the
definition for entrepreneurs to become honest, socially
responsible, and not to focus making profit only by any
means (Emami, 2012; Oukil, 2013). Therefore, the
following look into the definition of Halalpreneurship to
see the differences from the conventional one.
3.2 Halalpreneurship
Halalpreneurship is holistic in Islam entails
entrepreneurship as an element that is not separated from
Islam. Halalpreneurship is the entrepreneurship that is
within Shari’ah’s scope (Aqidah, Fiqh, Akhlaq) so that
its activities are not alienated from obligations in Islam.
Halalpreneurship includes the role of the human being
as a Khalifah (Caliph) in the world, to develop and
prosper the world; means the activities of
entrepreneurship should contribute to the good and
prosperity of society, Ummah and humanity.
Halalpreneurship is a recently created idea that joins
halal advancement to business exercises that are
executed as halalpreneurial activities. It includes the
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36
majority of the capacities, exercises, and activities
related to the view of chances and formation of
MINI REVIEW
associations to seek after them. The halal innovative
procedure is a complex phenomenon; be that as it may,
this procedure is significant in comprehension
halalpreneurial development.
Halalpreneurship is an essential part of the Islamic
religion. Moreover, it is considered as jihad fi sabilillah
(done in earnest in order to uphold thi teachings of Islam
and elevate its symbol), to be a source of livelihood to
the community (produce goods, provide services, create
jobs, eradicate poverty, eradicate social, criminal and all
wrongdoing. On top of that, worship and righteous deeds
are deeds to bridge the relationship between mankind
and Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala (SWT) (Kedah et al.,
2015).
Imam Al-Ghazali has written in his Ihya Ulum al-
Din:
It is compulsory upon every Muslim who is involved
with it (business and trading), to study the laws of buying
and selling because the seeking of knowledge is a duty
upon every Muslim. When we say the seeking knowledge
is such a duty, we also mean knowledge of all those
affairs of trade and business. Those in service and
employment should know the laws applying to them and
those who work for a living should know the laws (as
related to them), no matter what occupation he is in. In
such a way, they will become aware of the things which
cause their acts to be illegal according to the shari'a;
and they will be able to avoid these acts. When there are
some rare or uncommon cases or instances which one
does not know whether is halal or haram, one should not
act upon it until such time he has the opportunity to
inquire the matter from the learned scholars (of Islam).
From the above quotation it is very clear about the
ethical and moral responsibilities prescribed in Islam for
any Muslim entrepreneur (Halalpreneur). Moreover, it is
the consensus of the Muslim scholars that is not
permissible for a Muslim person to start an affair until he
or she identifies what Allah has obtained in the matter.
This is also applicable for those who would like to be
engaged in business and trading, or accept an offer from
an employer, which to make a loan or invest. Halal
earnings bring the love of Allah SWT, enlightenment,
knowledge, righteous thoughts, courage and
attentiveness. A Halalpreneur is supposed to take care of
these matters in his/her Halalpreneurship.
Additionally, Halalpreneurship also avoids any
matter which is haram (not permissible) in Islam.
Halalpreneurs perceive the haram (prohibited) earnings
as irreligiousness, bring overwhelmed by one’s own
© 2019 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources
 37 Abdullah and Azam et al. / Food Research 4 (Suppl. 1) (2020) 34 - 42
desire, the absence of courage and destruction of one’s
faith in Allah SWT. It is mentioned in Al-Quran-
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“O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up
what remains [due to you] of interest if you should be
believers”. (Al-Qur’an, 2: 278)
From the above reviewed works of literature,
references from Quran and Hadith, and quotation of
Islamic scholars, the concept of Halalpreneurship is well
defined and understood, which was the first objective of
this study. The following section looks into this concept
of Halalpreneurship from maqasid-al-Shariah
perspective.
4. Review of Halalpreneurship from Maqasid-al-
Shariah perspective
As section-3 provides the definition and a clear
concept of Halalpreneurship, this section of the paper
tries to look Halalpreneurship from the perspective of
Maqasid al Shariah. Firstly, it reviews on Maqasid al
Shariah and its objectives. Secondly, a short review of
Halal and Haram is done. And finally, the definition of
Halalpreneurs is provided based on the literature and
interpretations.
4.1 Maqasid-al-Shariah
Halalpreneurship is the profession of earning a
livelihood, living life on earth, and serving the whole
ummah while representing oneself as a good Muslim. On
this regard, Halalpreneurs must know the rulings of
Islam and the objectives of these rulings. The Arabic
word Maqasid [singular maqsid] implies the meaning of
objectives or purposes and when it refers
to Shari’ah [Maqasid Al Shari’ah] it specifically means
the goals and purposes of Shari’ah (ibn Ashur, 2006).
Most Muslim researchers are of the assessment that a
definitive goal [Maqasid Shari'ah] which are a need
[daruriyyah] for humankind to have the option to live
calmly in this world, as per al-Quran and al-Sunnah,
incorporate five fundamental zones:
1. Protection of Religion-the leader must be able to
pay attention to all the needs and financial support
for all religion, not only Islam, and provide and
protect their rights to practice their ritual. This is
applied to develop a Muslim-friendly ecosystem.
2. Protection of Life- In Islam, homicide is not
permitted. The same applied to not consume or
produce harmful products and goods.
“And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden,
except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly - We
have given his heir authority but let him not exceed
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limits in [the matter of] taking life. Indeed, he has
been supported [by the law]”. (Al-Qur’an, 17: 33)
3. Protection of Lineage or Offspring- Islam strongly
recommend people to get married. It also prohibits
any sexual relationship before marriage. This applies
during traveling where Muslim-friendly tourism
comes into action.
4. Protection of Intellect or Faculty of Reason, and,
lastly- Any material that might damage the brain and
intellectual ability is totally prohibited in Islam, like
intoxicant and alcohol. The same applies to produce
and trading with them.
5. Protection of Material Wealth or Property- Islam
liberates people to seek their wealth in a positive
manner. Therefore, there are few unjust transactions
that have been prohibited in Islam such as usury
(riba). Also, there is exacting discipline for the
individuals who take somebody's property.
“Allah destroys interest and gives increase for
charities. And Allah does not like every sinning
disbeliever”. (Al-Qur’an, 2: 276)
Besides having a clear understanding and knowledge
of Maqasid Shari'ah, Halalpreneurs should also know
about what is permissible (halal) and what is not
permissible (haram) while conducting their businesses.
4.2 Halal and haram
Halal-or in some contexts ‘Halalan’- is an Arabic
word which means “permissible”, “legal” or “allowed”.
Prescribed as a guideline for Muslims to observe in their
daily practice, the concept of halal or permissibility
includes all aspects of justice and equality for all,
including acceptability by non-Muslims.
Tayyib-or in some contexts ‘Tayyiban’- means good,
wholesome or safe. Muslims are obliged to consume safe
and non-harmful goods.
“O you who have believed, do not prohibit the good
things which Allah has made lawful to you and do not
transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors
(87). And eat of what Allah has provided for you [which
is] lawful and good. And fear Allah, in whom you are
believers (88).” (Al-Qur’an, 5: 87–88)
Haram is the antonym to Halal. The word haram
means ‘prohibited’ and ‘unlawful’. In business conduct,
any activity that includes Haram foods or ingredients is
prohibited to every Muslim including that product or
service. While deciding on halal and haram for anything
there are certain principles in Islam. For example,
Natural permissibility of things created by GOD (Allah
SWT), unless explicitly forbidden; The decision of halal
and haram is the right of Allah SWT (Al-Qur’an, 5: 87–
© 2019 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources
 Abdullah and Azam et al. / Food Research 4 (Suppl. 1) (2020) 34 - 42
88); What is halal is enough and what is haram is
redundant; Islam does not limit the Muslim’s options,
instead it makes wider choices and alternatives. For
instance, Allah SWT prohibits riba (usury) but
encourages the profitable trade; Falsely representing
haram as halal is prohibited (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5590);
Good intention does not make the haram acceptable
(Sunan Abi Dawud, 59); Doubtful (shubhah) should be
avoided as mentioned in the Hadith (Jami` at-Tirmidhi,
1205) that is highlighted earlier in this section;
Compelling necessity (darurah) dictates exception;
Islam is not unmindful to the necessities of life, to their
magnitude, nor to human weakness and capacity to face
them. Therefore, on the occasion of necessity, the
prohibition is removed to suit the situation (Al-Qur’an,
2: 173).
Now, that the objectives of Maqasid Shari'ah, as
well as halal and haram, have been explained,
entrepreneurs can be defined as Halalpreneurs while
fulfilling the Shariah requirements and other Halal
standards, which are also set in line with Shariah, for
respective countries.
4.3 Halalpreneurs
Based on the reviewed works of literature and
analogy of different references from Quran and Hadith as
mentioned earlier sections of this paper, it can be
asserted that any Muslim entrepreneur who produces
goods and services that follow and comply with Maqasid
-al-Shari’ah is known as Halalpreneurs. However, Non-
Muslim entrepreneurs are allowed to be Halalpreneurs
by Islamic scholars based on maslahah ‘Public Interest’
for the benefit of Ummah and mankind, if they comply
with the Sahri’ah laws in the products and services
provided.
Halalpreneurs are ‘khalifah’ and have the
responsibilities to develop prosperity and see business as
part of ‘ibadah’ or good deed through the fulfillment of
fardhu kifayah (communal obligation). While the
Western business person is driven towards enterprise for
the most part independent from anyone else intrigue and
the longing for individual benefit, the Muslim business
visionary begins a business with the expectation of
satisfying The Almighty Allah SWT (Kedah et al., 2015).
In other words, a Halalpreneur regards his or her
activities as ibadah in the frame of earning a halal living,
as declared in Surah Al-Juma’ah:
O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called
for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then
proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade.
That is better for you if you only knew (9). And when the
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38
prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and
seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah often
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that you may succeed (10). (Al-Qur’an, 62: 9-10)
This encourages Muslims to be engaged in business
and trading while not neglecting the ibadah. Hence, the
guiding principles of Halalpreneurs are from the Al-
Quran and Hadith that are in coordination with the five
objectives of Maqasid-al-Shari’ah. The first objective of
Protecting the Religion can be addressed by coming up
with ideas, products, and services that facilitate the
practice of religion, calling to it, teaching it, providing
freedom of religion and other incentives for proper
spiritual development (Kayed and Hassan, 2011).
Halalpreneurs aims to achieve the second objective
by enhancing human life, protecting it, avoiding harmful
or toxic products. Simultaneously, Protection of Lineage
or Offspring can be addressed by encouraging marriage,
forbidding haram relationships, selecting a healthy
family to minimize dangerous diseases, healthy
upbringing. Halalpreneurs can also play a significant
role in the development of education, the prohibition of
intoxicant and alcohols that might damage the brain and
intellectual ability. Finally, Protection of Material
Wealth or Property- To be preserved and enriched
through opening alternative sustainable ways for its
generation, utilization, distribution and growth on one
hand and also blocking means that hinder its generation,
circulation, consumption, and growth. The entrepreneur
focuses on the profit and the county law in the practice
of their business. The five pillars are not propriety, nor in
the description of the scope. While on the other hand,
Halalpreneurs must fulfill these pillars first for their
products or services to be halal.
The concept of and definition of both
Halalpreneurship and Halalpreneur have been explained
till this point of this paper. Moreover, a close observation
of the concept Halalpreneur was also made from the
perspective of Maqasid-al-Sharia’h. The following
section provides more understanding of
Halalpreneurship by identifying the differences from
conventional entrepreneurs and stating the characteristics
of Halalpreneurs.
5. Halalpreneurs VS entrepreneurs
The holistic characteristics and objectives of
Halalpreneurs make them unique and different from
entrepreneurs. With the differentiated motives and aims,
Halalpreneurs are expected to manage their venture
successfully and demonstrate a better performance
regarding trust and belief towards Islam (Hamid and
Sa’ari, 2011). Halalpreneurs can be deviated raising a
number of questions; such as, what to produce, how to
© 2019 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources
 39 Abdullah and Azam et al. / Food Research 4 (Suppl. 1) (2020) 34 - 42
produce, for whom to produce, what are the motivations,
and what are the personal characteristics of
MINI REVIEW
Halalpreneurs?
5.1 What to produce
Entrepreneurs offer and produce what people want
and make profits, while on the other hand, Halalpreneurs
produce what is permissible (halal) by Shari’ah and is
needed by humanity. Goods and services are based on
product priorities such as necessities, comfort, luxury,
not harmful and non-haram. In other words,
Halalpreneurs produce what complies with Maqasid-al-
Shari’ah priorities and classifications:
Daruriyyat (essentials): Required and considered as
essential for the establishing of prosperity in this world
and the Hereafter.
Hajiyyat (needs): Serve as complementary to the
essentials. Without the needs, people will face hardship.
Nonetheless, non-presence of the requirements won't
make total disturbance of the typical request of life.
Tahsiniyyat (embellishments): Relate to matters which
bestow enhancement in the society and guide to an
improved life.
Mubahat (Luxury): It is not prohibited but not a basic
need cannot be own by everyone
Haram (prohibited): It is not allowed and should not be
produced nor consumed.
For instance, a halalpreneur cannot be selling wine
and anyone who does is deported from the mercy of
Allah SWT.
5.2 How to produce
Entrepreneurs seek efficiency and productivity in
their production line. They desire maximized profits and
any cost and using any approach. On the other side, we
see the awakened soul in the Halalpreneurs, as they do
not approach the haram product nor the process to make
it. They, however, can naturally aim to maximize their
profit. In other words, the process of production and
generating the income and the profit must be halal. This
is where we can distinguish the two categories. This is
certainly by complying to Halalan Tayyiban Concept
and Standards. For instance:
The item does not contain any parts or results of
creatures that are non-halal to Muslims or results of
creatures which are not butchered by Shari'ah.
During its planning, handling, bundling, stockpiling
or transportation, the item is physically isolated from
whatever another item that does not meet the
prerequisites of Shari'ah.
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Halalpreneurs decide how to produce efficiently
keeping in view their profit and motive. Resources are
plentiful. If the resources are scarcity, it is either ill-
advised utilization of assets, unequal dissemination of
assets, or absence of learning.
That is why Halalpreneur should have the proper
knowledge in both Shari’ah and business to be able to
operate efficiently. The Prophet (PBUH) said,
"A time will come when one will not care how one
gains one's money, legally or illegally." (Sahih al-
Bukhari 2067)
5.3 For whom to produce
The target customer or serving consumer for
Halalpreneurs is an important aspect to differentiate
from entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs offer their services
and products based on the market’s demand. There is no
particular group to be served as long as the profit is
obtained in the process. Halalpreneurs on the other hand,
have the view of production to fulfill human needs to
discover new horizons and uncover new opportunities
for the benefit of humankind. A Halalpreneur realizes
that his or her prime duty and responsibility is to
distinguish between what is halal and what is haram as
determined by Shari’ah. Only halal good, therefore, can
be produced. By complying Maqasid-al-Shari’ah
priorities, everyone in the society is provided with basic
needs by the state, and Halalpreneurs shall provide
goods and services according to product priorities such
as necessities, comfort, and luxury. However, as
innovative and creative individuals, Halalpreneurs
should not focus on luxury goods and services before
covering the needs of Muslim Ummah and Humanity.
In 1955, Ray Kroc established the McDonald's®
Corporation and opened the primary café in Des Plaines,
Illinois. Today, there are more than 33,000 McDonald's®
cafés in 119 nations. Beam Kroc kicked the bucket in
1984 yet his heritage is particularly alive. His example of
overcoming adversity proceeds with McDonald's®
groups of workers, franchisees, and suppliers. His
responsibility, devotion, and accomplishments keep on
living on at McDonald's® cafés over the world. In 1995,
McDonald's® is the primary Quick Service Restaurant in
Malaysia to get the Halal Certification from JAKIM.
And in 2016, Saudi Arabia’s Lionhorn Pte Ltd becomes
the owner of McDonald’s® Malaysia through the
McDonald’s® Developmental Licensee franchising
structure. Although the owner was non-Muslim, the
restaurant chain is Halal-certified and is a good example
of Halalpreneurship, providing food for all levels in
society.
© 2019 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources
 Abdullah and Azam et al. / Food Research 4 (Suppl. 1) (2020) 34 - 42
5.4 What are the motivations
The conventional entrepreneur is seeking profit
before everything else. Though profit maximizing is not
forbidden in Islam, profit is not the main motive of
Halalpreneurs. Halalpreneurs should look for God's
favor over every other factor. A Halalpreneur performs
business isn't exclusively for the benefit, yet most
importantly, to satisfy the 'fardhu kifayah'. Subsequently,
Halalpreneurs ought to vary from different business
people in their thought processes and points. It is trusted
that on the off chance that they can deal with their
business effectively, they ought to likewise have great
execution as far as confidence and conviction towards
Allah SWT, as they are aiming for al-Falah in the
hereafter (Soltanian et al., 2016). Business in Islam is
exceptionally respected, and Islam gives the motivators
as well as the helpful system for financial and enterprise
advancement in the light of the elucidation of the
Qur'anic refrain and on the numerous customs of the
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Allah SWT says:
“And We have made for you therein means of living
and [for] those for whom you are not providers.” (Al-
Qur’an, 15:20)
5.5 Who are the stakeholders
In the conventional entrepreneurship, stakeholders
include the supply chain: owners, suppliers,
manufacturers, workers, financiers, customers,
community and the whole nation affected. Islam looks at
the ownership differently from either capitalism or
socialism. For instance, in capitalism, there is
unrestricted private ownership of property that leads to
monopolies. While socialism has no private ownership
at all.
From the perspective of Maqasid-al-Shari’ah, Islam
protects the right of property without interference with
the good of community ‘maslahah’ and while the
property is achieved in a halal way. Having said that, the
concept of stakeholders in Islam recognized that
everything belongs to Allah SWT and He distributed the
wealth and prosperity among His creatures with wisdom
and reasoning that we, human, do not understand. And as
khalifah, we are entrusted to manage and develop the
resources that Allah SWT has created and offered
according to the Maqasid-al-Shari’ah. In this context,
stakeholders in Halalpreneurship are the same as the
conventional one, with the focus of all holders being
under the umbrella of the provision of Allah SWT.
Therefore, Halalpreneurs here is fulfilling the ‘fardhu
kifayah’ by serving the ummah and humanity and
provide extra attention to all details of the supply chain
from manufacturing to the end products with the Ihsan.
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40
5.6 Characteristics of Halalpreneurs
A number of religious, moral and ethical
MINI REVIEW
characteristics, that are developed from the Islamic
values, significantly distinguishes Halalpreneurs from
entrepreneurs. Firstly, Takwa is the most important
attribute of Halalpreneurs that lead them towards
success making lots of profits through their business
activities. In line with this faith, Halal becomes the first
priority for Halalpreneurs. As Allah recommends
consuming Halal (Al Quran 5:88) as well as earn Halal
(Al-Quran 2:168). Halalpreneurs are also expected to
behave responsibly both for consumption and expense as
business activities are influenced by the prescription of
not wasting by Allah (Al-Quran 7:31). Another
characteristic of Halalpreneurs was mentioned by Faizal
et al. (2013) in his study is to prioritize worship to Allah
SWT which was also identified Sadeq (1977) on the basis
of Quranic verses where entrepreneurship (worldly
affairs) is encouraged but after praying (Al-Quran 62:10,
15:67). While prioritizing worship to Allah SWT
Halalpreneurs become trustworthy in terms of both
social and their business conduct. Thus, trustworthy is
another characteristic of Halalpreneurs which has been
mentioned by the Prophet (PBUH) himself. The Prophet
(PBUH) encouraged truthful and trustworthy merchant to
be with him together with martyrs on the day of
Judgement (Al-Tirmidhi, 14: 1213).
Halalpreneurs are also philanthropists. They
contribute to social welfare by providing Zakat, which is
one of the five obligations for all Muslims. Being
concern about social welfare through charity activities
and providing Zakat has been stated in many places in
Quran (Al-Quran 2:3, 43, 83, 177, 7:156, 19:31, 19:55,
21:73, 22:35, 41, 78, 23:4, 27:3, 30:39, 31:4, 41:7 and
more). Therefore, Halalpreneurs are expected to
consider themselves in the position of an Islamic
business organization and fulfill their philanthropic
responsibility as prescribed in Sharia’h.
Last but not the least, an additional requirement is
the knowledge of Islam and Shari’ah concept, halalan
tayyiban concept and the categories of Maqasid-al-
Shari’ah for an individual be a Halalpreneur. In other
words, a halalpreneur is not necessary a Muslim, as non-
Muslims could be Halalpreneurs if they possess the
required knowledge. For instance, the halal concept
should be implemented in the procurement process,
production, packaging, storage, logistics, and others. In
this manner, halal learning is crucial to be one of the
criteria for Halalpreneurs. Non-Muslim Halalpreneurs is
allowed under the condition of public interest
‘Maslahah’. Maslahah is an Arabic expression that, in
law and social morals, signifies "the basic social great or
© 2019 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources
 41 Abdullah and Azam et al. / Food Research 4 (Suppl. 1) (2020) 34 - 42
welfare." Maslahah in contrast to its antonym, mafsadah,
which means "that which causes or constitutes harm." As
MINI REVIEW
indicated by authentic and legitimate writings, it was the
second caliph, 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (r. 634-644), who
connected the standard of seeking after open approaches
that add to the benefit of everyone over those that don't.
Imam al-Ghazali and other medieval scholars held that,
while the general welfare of Muslims regarding
requirements and enhancements ought to be connected to
shari'ah through lawful thinking, what was esteemed in
setting to be important to the welfare of the network
required no other support for usage (Kamaluddin et al.,
2005).
6. Conclusion
Entrepreneurship is the vital component of any
economy has been defined by many scholars and
institutions. Some of the characteristics of an
entrepreneur have been identified in this study are risk-
taker, innovator, opportunity seeker, an agent to
economic, social, and cultural changes. However, in
Islamic economy entrepreneurship has been viewed from
the perspective of Maqasid-al-Shariah. Integrating the
five principles of Maqasid-al-shariah into
entrepreneurship defines Halalpreneurship and reveals
the characteristics of Halalpreneurs. Halalpreneurs are
khalifah and are responsible to develop the world where
Maqasid-al-Shari’ah is the umbrella of all
Halalpreneurs. Halal products and services are the prime
goals for being Halalpreneurs aiming to please Allah
SWT before any profits. In business production,
Halalpreneurs are unique and differ from conventional
entrepreneurs in terms of what to produce, how to
produce, and for whom to produce. Unlike entrepreneurs,
the motivation that works for someone to become
Halalpreneur is to have the blessings of Allah SWT
which will bring reward both in this world and the world
hereafter. Moreover, Halalpreneurs possess the
characteristics of Takwa, trustworthiness, prioritizing
Halal products and services and worship to Allah SWT,
philanthropic responsibility, and knowledge of both
business and shariah. Entrepreneurship that does not
comply with Shari’ah is not Halalpreneurship.
Therefore, Halalpreneurs are different from
conventional entrepreneurs regarding their purpose, and
intention of business, and the religious, moral, and
ethical characteristics they possess. In conclusion,
Maqasid-al-Shariah is the ruling of every conduct of
human life based on the Quran and Hadith as primary
sources. Thus, this becomes an inseparable concept for
entrepreneurs to be justified as Halalpreneurs. An
extensive discussion and review on Maqasid-al-Shariah
were beyond the scope of the paper which has, however,
already been detailed out by a number of previous
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studies. Future study may enhance the concept
‘Halalpreneurs’ itself with detail deliberation.
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